Wash and slice tomatoes. Put sliced tomatoes into jars, filling to within 1/2 inch of jar top.

Add 1 tsp. lemon juice and 1/2 tsp. salt if desired.

Wipe jar rim clean. Adjust two piece canning lids according to manufacturer's instructions.

Place jars into a water bath canner and fill with water to cover the jars completely by 1 inch.

Bring to a boil; boil for 45 minutes (pints and quarts). Remove jars from canner and allow to cool. Wide mouth jars are easier to use for this recipe.

Use as you normally would use green tomatoes.